Myrtle Beach sellers now face a shifting market in early 2026, with rising inventory and longer days on market. According to Coastal Carolinas MLS data (Jan 2026), single-family months supply hit 3.9, up from prior years, while showings per listing average 2.3 in Myrtle Beach. Homes sell at 97% of list price, down slightly, signaling buyers have leverage. This environment means even strong first offers warrant pause.

 

When Sellers Shouldn’t Take the First Offer

Sellers in Horry County might rush on a "perfect" first offer, but current trends suggest waiting. Inventory rose 3.1% market-wide as of Jan 2026 (Coastal Carolinas MLS), with 6,658 active listings. In Myrtle Beach, buyer interest showings per listing stand at 2.3, below peak frenzy levels. National data shows sellers held homes 11 years median before listing (NAR Q4 2025), often testing for higher bids.

Days on market reached 125 overall (Jan 2026), up 5% YoY, giving time for multiple offers. If showings exceed 7 before pending—like the 2025 median—more competition likely follows. Early 2026 stabilization forecasts modest price gains, rewarding patient pricing (NAR Dec 2025).

  • Monitor showings: Under 3 per listing signals weak demand; wait only if higher.​

  • Check comps: Recent Horry sales at 365K median single-family (up 1.4% 2025).​

  • Price strategically: Listings at market value attract bids; overpricing stalls.​

 

Signs of Stronger Future Offers

Grand Strand data points to building momentum. Pending sales rose 1.5% rolling 12 months through Jan 2026, led by sub-150K range (+21%). New listings up 4.5% single-family Jan 2026, boosting options but also competition. Pawleys Island leads showings/listing at 2.9; Myrtle Beach at 2.3 shows steady interest.

Horry County months supply at 5.2 (2025 annual), edging toward balance. Sellers rejecting first bids saw 99-100% list price if sold in 1-4 weeks. In 2025, 17% homes fetched over list; early acceptors missed this.

Factor Take First Offer Wait for More Showings
Showings/List < 2 > 3
Months Supply > 6 < 4
Days on Market > 130 < 100
% List Received < 97% comps 97–100% comps
 

Risks of Holding Out

Not every listing benefits from delay. Condo inventory jumped 6.6% to 7.4 months supply (Jan 2026), with prices down 3.8%. Overpriced homes reduced asking price multiple times; 51% sellers adjusted once or more. In Carolina Forest, sales dipped 13.3% 2025 amid rising supply.

Buyers prioritize larger plans; entry-level sees +22% sales under 150K. If first offer matches comps (365K single-family median), closing risks rise with rates near 6% (Freddie Mac Q4 2025 projection). Stale listings lose steam after 17+ weeks, selling at 90% list.

 

Local Market Data

Horry County active listings held at 7,207 end-2025, with 8.6 showings/listing. Myrtle Beach condo share 73.3%; prices stable but inventory up. Q1 2026 pending +13.3% single-family signals uptick. Track via Carolina Crafted Homes market updates, Horry County trends, or contact us.

Carolina Crafted Homes stays current on Myrtle Beach market trends and can answer questions about when sellers shouldn’t take the first offer. Reach out anytime for guidance—no pressure, just straightforward expertise.

 

FAQS

Should Myrtle Beach sellers accept first offer in 2026?

No, if showings exceed 3 per listing and months supply under 4 (3.9 single-family Jan 2026, Coastal Carolinas MLS). Median days on market 125 allows competing bids. 17% fetched over list in strong 2025 spots.

What market signals more offers coming?

High buyer interest: Pawleys 2.9 showings/listing, Murrells Inlet 2.8 (Jan 2026). Pending sales +1.5% rolling year; new listings +4.5%. Hold if comps support 97-100% list price.

Risks of rejecting first offer in Horry County?

Rising inventory (3.1% Jan 2026) risks price cuts; 51% sellers reduced asking. Condos at 7.4 months supply see softer prices (-3.8%). Verify via local comps.

How long wait for better bids Grand Strand?

Homes sell median 4 weeks (2025); monitor 1-2 weeks post-offer. If under 100 days on market trend, likely more interest. 9% sold <1 week at full price.

Impact of inventory on first offers 2026?

3.9 months single-family (Jan) shifts leverage; buyers less urgent vs post-pandemic. Horry 5.2 months 2025. Strategic pricing key for max value.